New MTFC Foster Care program opening in Dauphin and Cumberland counties

New MTFC Foster Care program opening in Dauphin and Cumberland counties. Foster Parents needed; earn $2400 / mo. Stipend. Extensive Training & Full Support Call 888-688-CHOR ext. 517 for more details

Children’s Home of Reading Receives Sanctuary Certification

The Children’s Home of Reading (CHOR) was recently awarded Sanctuary certification by the Sanctuary Institute for successful implementation of this innovative trauma-informed approach throughout the organization. CHOR is one of the first in PA to be certified by the Institute.  The objective of the Sanctuary Institute is to help organizations, like CHOR, create and implement a trauma-informed, trauma-sensitive culture that promotes healing and recovery.

“The  Sanctuary Certification process took three years and truly brought our entire team together with the common goal of improving the quality of services and care provided to the children and families we serve”, Dr. Vince LaSorsa, CEO and President of CHOR.

The certification is a rigorous process that includes interviews, site observations, document reviews and focus groups.  Certification is contingent upon the agency’s ability to adhere to the standards described in the Sanctuary Implementation Standards Manual.
The Sanctuary Model is a blueprint for clinical and organizational change which promotes safety and recovery from adversity through the active creation of a trauma-informed community.  In an effort to create safe and healing environments for children, families and adults who have experienced chronic stress and adversity, the Sanctuary Model is being used in a wide range of settings, including: child welfare, residential treatment, juvenile justice, drug and alcohol treatment, school and community-based programs, partial hospitals, domestic violence and homeless shelters.
The model was developed by Dr. Sandra Bloom, a psychiatrist and founder of the Sanctuary Institute, which exists to help organizations implement the model’s trauma-informed, whole-system organizational approach.  Its mission is “to teach individuals and organizations the necessary skills for creating and sustaining nonviolent lives and nonviolent systems, and to keep believing in the possibilities of peace.”

The Children’s Home has been a pioneer in helping to restore the shattered lives of youth who have been abused or neglected, coping with behavior or emotional problems.  The Home is a not-for-profit organization that provides several community based, educational and residential programs to nearly 850 children from Berks and surrounding counties each year.  It was established in 1884 and has consistently responded to the ever-changing needs of the community.

Teens Feel Stress during the Holidays, Too

Many adults feel stressed out or get the blues during the winter holidays. But they don’t always realize that teens get these feelings, too. The same things can cause these feelings for teens as they do for adults:

Hectic schedule

Financial stress

Increased family conflict or misunderstanding

Crowds

Changes in diet and routines

Cabin fever

Pressure to find the perfect gifts

Not getting the gifts you wanted

Increased grief about divorce, death, or other family changes (see below)

Shortened amount of daylight (a cause of serious depression for many)

Also, many teens feel empty because holidays are not the same as when they were young kids. All on top of the normal stresses of growing up!

Feeling stressed or getting the blues during the holidays is normal. Some simple steps can help ease the feelings for your teen and get them through the season.

Help your teens manage their feelings. Encourage them…

To talk. Help them express their feelings. Really listen to them. Try not to judge them or overreact. Instead, help them try to solve their problems. Encourage them to talk to other trusted adults or friends, too.

To take a break. Getting away from others can be re­freshing. Encourage them to spend time relaxing or doing an activity for themselves. Just spending a few minutes outside can re-energize them.

To exercise. This is one of the best ways to work off stress.

To eat right. Holidays often come with sugary and high-fat foods. Eating some is fine, but eating too much will only make mood swings worse.

To do something charitable. It can be easy to lose sight of what the holidays are really about. Doing something for someone else can help change one’s outlook. For the complete article see the link below

http://www.health.ri.gov/family/ofyss/teens/tips/DisplayTip4.php

Sanctuary certification

The Children’s Home of Reading (CHOR) was recently awarded Sanctuary certification by the Sanctuary Institute for successful implementation of this innovative trauma-informed approach throughout the organization. CHOR is one of the first in PA to be certified by the Institute. The objective of the Sanctuary Institute is to help organiza­tions, like CHOR, create and implement a trauma-informed, trauma-sensitive culture that promotes healing and recovery.

“The Sanctuary Certification process took three years and truly brought our entire team together with the common goal of improving the quality of services and care provided to the children and families we serve”, Dr. Vince LaSorsa, CEO and President of CHOR.

The certification is a rigorous process that includes in­terviews, site observations, document reviews and focus groups. Certification is contingent upon the agency’s

ability to adhere to the standards described in the Sanctu­ary Implementation Standards Manual.

Wellness Update

By Jennifer Wilinsky, Food Service Supervisor

For the first time in history, it is predicted that our children will face a shorter lifespan than we will due to the complications of obesity. Over the past three decades, childhood obesity rates in America have tripled, and today, nearly one in three children in America are overweight or obese. One third of all children born in 2000 or later will suffer from diabe­tes at some point in their lives; many others will face chronic obesity-related health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and asthma. A recent study put the health care costs of obesity-related diseases at $147 billion per year.

Many children consume as many as half of their daily calories at school. As families work to ensure that kids eat right and have active play at home, we also need to ensure our kids have access to healthy meals in their schools. With more than 31 million children participating in the National School Lunch Program and more than 11 million participating in the National School Breakfast Program, good nutrition at school is more important than ever. Together with the private sector and the non-profit community, the U.S govern­ment is taking many steps to get healthier food in our schools.

 At CHOR, we have made great strides to adapt to the sug­gestions made from these health and wellness initiatives. In the past year, we have revised all menus: eliminating whole and 2% milk, serving 100% fruit juice, and buying whole grain food items. We have also greatly reduced the sodium and fat content, while still meeting the recom­mended nutrient guidelines for our clients. This has re­sulted in 52% of our residential clients trending toward a healthier weight as opposed to the majority of our clients consistently gaining weight in previous years. They have been making healthier food selections and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Many clients are proud of the accomplishments they made in not only losing weight, but feeling better and healthier.

CHOR Residential Success Story

Edward arrived at CHOR on May 21, 2008. Prior to arriving at CHOR, Edward was already getting into trouble with the law. By his own self-report Edward was an angry individual. He was failing his classes in school because he didn’t listen to the teacher. He was unable to keep a lasting friendship with another person his age, was arguing and fighting with his family members and was getting into fights with peers on a regular basis. Edward had very few goals for himself and seemed to be drawn to people who didn’t listen to authority and activities that were against the law.

           Initially, Edward was not invested in his treatment. He had difficulty following directions given to him by staff, struggled to build relationships with staff or peers, and continued to display his angry aggressive behavior.  Through patience and hard work, the treatment team was able to learn a lot about Edward and his needs. Edward was picked on a lot before coming to CHOR and did not know how to build a relationship with a friend. He often kept people at a distance and was resistant to making connections with others. This was displayed through his

negative behaviors.

Over the course of the almost two years that Edward was at CHOR, he learned how to be himself and accept  himself for who he is. Through his own self acceptance, he was able to make friendships with his peers and open up to staff. Edward reports that he doesn’t feel angry at the world anymore and has goals of becoming a graphic designer and living a successful life. He took on the role of a peer leader at CHOR and helped those new to the program by sharing all that he has learned. Edward stopped expressing himself through aggression and now expresses his feelings through music and artwork.

Edward left CHOR with the confidence in himself that he can make friends and be successful at whatever he chooses to do in the future. He came to CHOR surrounded by walls that he built himself in order to keep everyone away. Through patience, understanding, and encouragement, the team at CHOR were able to help Edward begin to tear down those walls little by little, allowing him to leave as the happy and confident young man that he now describes himself as.

Attention all book lovers

We have an immediate need for all books appropriate for

boys ages 10-18. If you are willing to donate any books,

please contact Debbie Acker at 610-478-8266 ext. 429.

You can help make a difference at CHOR

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Tutors in all subject areas

Development Office helpers

Groups to play organized sports with our clients

Individuals to share a talent or hobby

Make our kids a homemade treat

• All volunteers need to be at least 21 years of age

with current state and child abuse history clearances.

Most opportunities are during the school day.

• For more information on any of the above or if you

have an idea you would like to present to us, please

contact Mindy McIntosh at 610.478.8266 ext. 468

or mmcintosh@childrenshomeofrdg.org.

CHOR’s Monthly TV SHOW

Building Kids' Lives in Berks,  CHOR’s Monthly TV SHOW

http://www.bctv.org/

Airs live on the 3^rd Thursday of every month from 11:30 am - 12:00 pm. The show re-runs on the following days and times: Saturday at 8:30 pm, Sunday at 3:30 pm, and Monday at 1:30 pm.

To watch a past show, click on the above link to the BCTV website and search "Building Kids Lives" under the Archives section.

CHOR Trivia

CHOR Trivia:

1. What milestone did we celebrate in 2009?

2. What year were we founded?

3. What year did we move to our current location?

4. What was the function of our agency when it was founded?

5. Where were we originally located?

6. In 1886 we were incorporated under what name to represent our new function as a home for children in need?

7. What year did we change our name to The Children's Home of Reading?

8. In which decade did the Board of Directors amend the Home's charter to expand its function to include more treatment oriented care?

9. The APHP program is located in the "cottage". What program was that building intended for when it was constructed in 1976?

10. What year was the Specialized Foster Care Program established?

11. What year was Berks Parents Services Collaborative established?

12. ATC, our first Residential Treatment program, was established in what year?

13. What year did we become JCAHO accredited for the first time?

14. What year did we start operating the RTF program?

15. What year was the NEAG building completed?

16. Dr. Vince LaSorsa began his tenure as President and CEO of the Home in what year?

17. What year did APHP start?

18. What year did our Alternative Education Program start on the main campus?

19. The CHOR Day Academy started in what year?

20. Lehigh Valley Community Programs began in what year?

21. What year did we start our SRTF program?

22. What year did we receive our Adoption license?

23. What year did ERC start?

24. What program started in 2009 in Lehigh and Northampton counties?

1. 125th Anniversary

2. 1884

3. 1888

4. Day Nursery

5. Franklin St.

6. Home for Friendless Children

7. 1947

8. 70's

9. Group home for youth with drug and alcohol addictions

10. 1982

11. 1991

12. 1996

13. 2003

14. 2003

15. 2003

16. 2004

17. 2004

18. 2004

19. 2005

20. 2005

21. 2005

22. 2006

23. 2008

24. MTFC - Multi-dimensional Foster Care

motorcycle run to benefit the Children's Home in Reading

The "BROS" Motorcycle Club held a motorcycle run to benefit the Children's Home in Reading.

Over 100 bikers participated in the event, which the group has been doing for nearly 30 years. The Children’s Homes wishes to thank all those who participated.  You can read more at  Toy Run For Children's Home

CHOR and Sanctuary

Our three year long time of preparation and Sanctuary implementation draws to an end.  On November 9th and 10^th of this year, CHOR will participate in the credentialing process.  Staff from the Sanctuary Institute will be on campus meeting with staff and clients, observing interactions and applications of our commitments, and reviewing our growth and change over the past few years.  They’re going to look at the practice and application of Sanctuary principles in all areas of our work, from policies and paperwork, to the internalization of our commitments by staff.  Each department will share with them a binder documenting all the changes we have made and how Sanctuary has been applied to arising issues. Our credentialing process will reflect where we’ve been and the improvements we have made. 

CHOR on BCTV about the field of dreams

Click on the link below to watch the staff from the Children’s Home talking about the field of dreams project the clients develop to improve the baseball field and basket ball court at the Children’s Home of Reading. 

http://www.bctv.org/special_reports/basic_needs/vmix_0a901bb6-c1c3-11df-b98a-001cc4c03286.html

Become a Foster Parent

For over 125 years, The Children's Home of Reading has been meeting the needs of children and teenagers from Reading, Berks County, and the surrounding counties. As The Children's Home continues to grow and expand services, the need for good foster homes is also growing.

 

Our society is based on the belief that the family is the cornerstone to good development. Throughout this area there are many children unable to live with their birth families because of abuse, neglect, illness, family crisis, and sometimes, their own behaviors. We are looking for people to provide family living experiences for these children.

As foster parents, you can touch a child's life in a positive and lasting way. Although foster parents represent a broad range of backgrounds, the common and unifying characteristics among them are love and respect for children, and a basic belief in the importance of good parenting for a child's healthy growth and well-being.

The role of foster parents has changed over the past years, and the changes are good - good for the children who need sensitive care; good for the troubled parents who need positive role models; and good for our agency who depends more and more on your skills and involvement to make appropriate and realistic treatment plans.

Our objective is to provide a treatment oriented program in a family setting. In order to meet this objective, the foster family must be willing to accept the following responsibilities:

• Help the child maintain or improve relationships with his/her birth

    family, school, and peers;

• Encourage and support the child as he/she grows physically,

    academically, socially, and emotionally;

• Maintain an attitude of respect and understanding toward birthparents,

    who are important to the child in care;

• Work closely with your social worker in order to develop and implement

    therapeutic treatment plans for the child;

• Continue to meet the needs of your own family while sharing your home

    and family with the child in your care and;

• Participate in on-going training relative to the special needs of these

    children.

If you feel that you and your family have something to offer a child in need, consider the challenge. Please contact The Children's Home of Reading and find out how you can become a part of a professional team who cares, and help us to make a difference in someone's life.

The History of The Children's Home of Reading

The Children's Home of Reading was established in 1884 as a day nursery for working mothers and was located at 237 Franklin Street in Reading.  A widow and five children were placed there. When a motherless child was accepted on a full-time basis, the Home exhibited a trait that would characterize it throughout its history - adaptability to meet the needs of the community. And so, although it had originally been intended to serve as a day nursery, the Home served a dual purpose in the community as both a temporary shelter for children and a day nursery.

As the home began to grow and change, it needed guidance and direction. The first Board of Directors was organized in 1886; members were drawn from throughout Reading and Berks County. In 1888, the Board decided to erect a building on Centre Avenue and Spring Streets because of the increasing number of children residing in the Home. The "Home For Friendless Children" was incorporated at that time as a privately-owned, charitable organization. As the years passed and more children came through its doors, the Home built two identical annexes in 1903 and 1906 respectively. These annexes were the gift of Mr. William D. Smith, a prominent iron manufacturer and member of the Board of Directors.

The Home continued its custodial care for the next 25 years, adding the services of a licensed nurse to that of the matron who lived on the premises and cared for the children. The Home's function and atmosphere was changing, and by 1947, the name of the Home for Friendless Children was officially changed to The Children's Home of Reading to better describe its atmosphere and purpose. By 1955, the Home began expanding its services beyond temporary shelter and custodial care to deal with more acute societal problems; those resulting from family abuse and neglect.

The 1960's and 1970's offered even more transitions and changes. During this time, new buildings were constructed and new programs were implemented. The Home began to expand its programs to offer treatment oriented care rather than custodial care. The Board of Directors amended The Children's Home Charter in 1974 to expand its function and accommodate more children with different and more serious kinds of problems such as abuse, neglect, truancy, and drug abuse.

Today, The Children's Home of Reading continues to provide a treatment oriented residential environment for children and teenagers. Its broad spectrum of services includes an Acute Partial Hospitalization program, an Alternative Education program, a case management program for chemically addicted moms and their babies, a CHOR Day Academy, community based services, a Residential Treatment Facility, a Specialized Foster Care program, and a Specialized Residential Treatment Facility.

The programs at The Children's Home of Reading have expanded and grown, and its facilities have changed, but one basic element remains the same - the offering of 125 years of quality care to children.

Specialized Foster Care Success Story

Tiffany was placed in our Specialized Foster Care program in July 2002.  She was placed in a foster home along with her 2 year old daughter, Tasha.  She has been a very good mom and has exceptional parenting skills.  She has done very well in her placement.  She graduated from Reading High in the Spring.  She will be discharged next month and plans to move in with a previous foster parent with whom she has become good friends.  Tiffany has been accepted to Reading Area Community College with a scholarship. Most of her schooling is paid for with financial aid and a scholarship.  Currently, she is not employed, but is actively seeking employment.